AUC’s School of Continuing Education Celebrates 30 Years of Niletesol

The School of Continuing Education (SCE) at the American University in Cairo (AUC) concluded the 30th Annual NileTESOL International Conference, held recently at the AUC New Cairo Campus, marking three decades of sustained contribution to the advancement of English language teaching and professional development in Egypt and the region. “For thirty years, NileTESOL has been a cornerstone of professional development for English language educators in Egypt and the region. This conference reflects SCE’s long-standing commitment to lifelong learning and to extending AUC’s academic expertise beyond the classroom—supporting educators as they adapt, innovate, and lead change in their institutions and communities,” said Mahmoud Allam, dean of SCE.

Held under the theme “Resilience in ELT: Adapting and Thriving in a Changing World,” the 30th edition convened hundreds of participants from Egypt and around the world through plenary sessions, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and research presentations. The conference addressed a wide range of interest areas, including teacher training, professional development, learning technologies, assessment, program administration, motivation, collaborative learning, and research development—reflecting the evolving needs of educators in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Founded over 30 years ago, NileTESOL has evolved from a small gathering of dedicated educators into one of the region’s most respected professional communities for English language teaching. Over the past three decades, the conference has brought together thousands of educators, researchers, trainers, publishers, and academic leaders, creating a vibrant platform for professional exchange, innovation, and reflective practice that continues to shape language education across diverse contexts.

Emphasizing the conference’s practical impact on teaching and learning, Maged Habashy, director of the Language Department at SCE, said: “NileTESOL continues to equip educators with relevant, classroom-ready strategies and a collaborative space to reflect on practice. The conference plays a vital role in empowering teachers to respond effectively to current challenges and to integrate innovation and technology into meaningful learning experiences.”
Participants also highlighted the value of NileTESOL as a space for professional growth and connection. One long-time attendee noted that the conference “consistently offers practical insights, renewed motivation, and a strong sense of professional community that directly supports classroom practice.”

As part of SCE’s broader mission, NileTESOL reinforces AUC’s role as a regional hub for continuous professional development, capacity building, and educational excellence, marking the 30th edition as both a celebration of legacy and a forward-looking platform for the future of English language education.